Cambodia, Laos Reaffirm Cooperation on UXO Clearance and Victim Assistance Ahead of Cluster Munitions Conference

PHNOM PENH — Sept. 14, 2026: Cambodia and Laos have reaffirmed their shared commitment to addressing the humanitarian consequences of unexploded ordnance (UXO), pledging stronger cooperation on clearance and victim assistance as Vientiane hosts the 3rd Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane received H.E. Ly Thuch, Senior Minister and First Vice-President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), in Vientiane on September 13, 2026, according to KPL, the Lao News Agency.

H.E. Ly Thuch is leading the Cambodian delegation to the conference, held in Vientiane from September 14–18 under the presidency of the Lao PDR.

According to H.E. Ly Thuch's Facebook page, the Lao Deputy Prime Minister thanked Cambodia for sending its delegation and highlighted the strong relations between the two countries as neighbors and ASEAN members. Both sides discussed cooperation and experience-sharing on explosive ordnance, particularly cluster munitions remnants from the Vietnam War.

In response, H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch congratulated Laos for hosting the conference and reaffirmed Cambodia's support for its humanitarian efforts. He also conveyed greetings from Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet and H.E. Prak Sokhonn.

H.E. Ly Thuch said Cambodia has cleared more than 3,500 square kilometers of mines and explosive remnants of war over three decades. Although Cambodia is an observer to the convention, it has actively supported its humanitarian objectives. More than 600 square kilometers remain affected by cluster munitions.

He added that Cambodia faces a new burden from the 2025 Cambodia–Thailand border conflict, with explosive ordnance affecting nearly 4,000 square kilometers, of which nearly 3,000 square kilometers are assessed as contaminated by cluster munitions.

Both sides expressed confidence the conference would achieve positive outcomes and strengthen international cooperation on the humanitarian consequences of cluster munitions.

Source: KPL

https://kpl.gov.la/EN/detail.aspx?id=106396

H.E. Ly Thuch (Facebook)

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19YbCbHXGP/

Reported by The Khmer Today